Second week of the Red Seas Under Red Skies Read-along.
Image by Les Edwards.
Now that we know a little more about Selendri and Requin, what do you think of them? I worry Locke is suddenly realizing this con might be a bit tougher than he expected.
I’m finding this book much more violent than the previous one, and these chapters weren’t for those with a weak stomach. There’s something of the volcano waiting to explode in both Selendri and Requin. They’re so smooth, so controlled, but then there’s the legendary violence we only hear about. It’s a matter of time before we witness it first-hand.
Our heroes know they’re loosing control, but I’m much more worried about the Archon that with the Sinspire people. Selendri and Requin want power and wealth but the Archon has a long-term Vision that’s maniacally obsessive and at the same time strangely appealing.
Isn’t the Artificers’ Crescent just amazing? If you could purchase anything there, what would it be?
These chapter were even better in world-building that the first ones. The Artificers’ Crescent reminded me a bit of The Night Circus, where every new tent was a new fantastic space. I’d ask for a Time Turner, Hermione-style.
What did you think of Salon Corbeau and the goings on that occur there? A bit crueler than a Camorri crime boss, no?
The Salon was Lynch’s version of The Hunger Games. It made me uncomfortable because it’s too close to a lot of what’s already happening with TV shows like Survivor and Temptation Island. We revel in seeing other’s in emotional and physical stress. I’m sure I’ve heard the whole they-want-to-be-here or they’re-being-well-paid-so-we’re-actually-doing-them-a-favor speech somewhere…
I hope that at the end of their mission Locke and Jean will have the time to deal with it.
The Archon might be a megalomaniacal military dictator, but he thinks he’s doing right by Tal Verrar: his ultimate goal seems to be to protect them. What do you think he’s so afraid of?
As I’ve mentioned above, there’s something appealing about the Archon’s mission, especially considering what we know about the Bondsmage. A man with a mission he knows he won’t see accomplished in his life-time also inspires respect. However, there are hints he’s not telling us everything. I guess he feels the Bondsmage are gaining too much power through superstition and fear (interesting that Locke is also starting to realize it) and feels that now it’s the time to put in motion the plan that’ll bring them down. It reminded me a lot of the way left-wing States feel about Religion.
“Full-on barking madness is a state of rational bliss to which you may not aspire.”
That being said, his plan of turning Locke and Jean into pirates feels a bit far-fetched.
And who the heck is trying to kill Locke and Jean every few days? They just almost got poisoned (again!)!
I’ve been thinking about that! My money is on Merrain (or maybe on the gambling Sisters?). She always seems to be around and I feel like she has a secret agenda of her own.
Do you really think it’s possibly for a city rat like Locke to fake his way onto a Pirate ship?
If someone can, he can! He’s a professional bullshiter, with the ability to talk his way out of any situation. I was smirking throughout the whole rope episode 🙂 However, Jean is making better progress than Locke, so why wasn’t he chosen to be the captain?
Random thoughts:
- Call me revolutionary, but I really loved the Thiefmaker’s speech about the role of people like him and Locke in society. I guess that in current times, one cannot help but to root for the Robin Hoods.
“We are the stone in their shoe, the thorn in their side, a little bit of reciprocity this side of divine judgement.”
- The war around the arrival of the press: I hope we’ll hear more about it in the future. It’s possible that the Archon’s master-plan might have something to do with it. The Times They Are A-Changin’!
- There might have been some hints in the first book, but I’m only now noticing how Jean is A Reader. I’m getting more fond of him with every chapter. The romantic in me hopes that’s not only Locke that gets a love-story.
- Lynch is second only to Shakespeare when it comes to insults…
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May 6, 2012 at 8:42 pm
Red Seas Under Red Skies read-along, part 2! « the Little Red Reviewer
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May 7, 2012 at 3:22 am
Redhead
I love how Jean gets to have the spotlight more in this book. Locke is fun and all, but this operation is going to take some brains, and for that we better depend on Jean.
I too am very curious about this Quill Pen Rebellion thing. with technology of sorts on the way, anything is possible.
I never wanted to read The Hunger Games, until i read your response to the Salon Corbeau question. that chapter is very disturbing, and you’re right, it’s a little like some of the reality shows that are out there now. that’s kinda sick, isn’t it?
May 7, 2012 at 6:10 pm
Ines
Yes, it is a bit like Hunger Games (did you review those books as well?). I am really scared of the future we all face when all people these days want to do is watch suffering live.
But I guess those kinds of things always happened throughout the history? Probably not in such large numbers though…
May 7, 2012 at 8:30 pm
Genki Jason
Like you I kind of respect the Archon and his drive to get things done but I think taking on the Bondsmagi is a bit of a tough one. They are not fools and probably anticipate the threat that technology holds. I aso don’t trust Merrain either.
May 7, 2012 at 10:33 pm
RealBooks4ever
Lynch is second only to Shakespeare when it comes to insults…
Ain’t that the truth! 🙂
May 8, 2012 at 8:51 am
tethyanbooks
I agree with you on Salon Corbeau. I hope Locke ends up doing something there. Also, I do like how much attention Jean is getting this novel. He’s a really interesting character, and “Red Seas” is doing a lot to show how his strengths complement or surpass Locke’s. When Locke fell apart after Camorr, Jean held it together. While Locke’s half-assing his way through pirate-training, Jean’s studying. I think if they make it as pirates it will be due in large part to Jean.
May 8, 2012 at 2:21 pm
Froggy
Oh, my money is on Merrain too! She seems devious.
And I like your Night Circus comparison, but it was not as clear in this book, I had a bit of trouble to picture everything compared to the Night Circus where we had more time to see everything.